ROCKFORD - A 20-year-old man was arrested for driving under the influence of drugs after a single-car crash killed one of his passengers.

Police say Martel Ford was driving a Chevy Impala north on Summit Street around 2:15 a.m. today when he lost control and struck a large tree near Greenwood Avenue. The car was occupied by Ford, a front-seat passenger and one passenger in the back seat.

Derrick E. Ellis, 21, of Rockford, who was seated in the back, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Ford and the front seat passenger were transported to local hospitals. The front seat passenger, who police did not identify, is in serious condition but initial reports are that his injuries are not life threatening. Police said impairment from drugs and alcohol and speed appeared to contribute to the crash.

The Winnebago County State's Attorney's office reviewed the case and charged Ford with driving under the influence, aggravated DUI, driving on a suspended license, underage drinking, failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident and operation of an uninsured motor vehicle. Further charges may be added, police said in a news release.